Question

identifying anions
which of the following ions would be considered an anion?
an element with 5 protons, 7 electrons, and 5 neutrons
an element with 5 protons, 5 electrons, and 2 neutrons
an element with 5 protons, 2 electrons, and 5 neutrons
an element with 5 protons, 5 electrons, and 7 neutrons

Explanation:

Step1: Recall anion definition

An anion is a negatively - charged ion, which means it has more electrons than protons.

Step2: Analyze each option

• Option 1: 5 protons and 7 electrons. Since 7>5, it is an anion.
• Option 2: 5 protons and 5 electrons. Proton number = electron number, so it is a neutral atom.
• Option 3: 5 protons and 2 electrons. Since 2<5, it is a cation (positively - charged ion).
• Option 4: 5 protons and 5 electrons. Proton number = electron number, so it is a neutral atom.

Answer:

An element with 5 protons, 7 electrons, and 5 neutrons